We are now through the 4th week of the 2016-2017 academic year. This week, both teachers and parents were busy with Open House Nights. Thank you to all the parents who attended. It was great to see the teachers and parents connecting, and the parents learning more about the academic programs on offer at QISS. Additionally, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) commenced this week. The LRC is a great resource for students whose native language is not English. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the LRC teachers provide study skills and other academic support. On Saturdays, the students learn academic English. If you are interesting in enrolling your child in LRC, please locate the application forms and more information at the QISS website.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Director's Family Swimming Program

The QISS swimming pool is still open for free for QISS families and guests on Saturdays between 9am and 12pm. This year the Director's Family Swimming program has been very successful, with an average of 20-25 individuals joining. Feel free to join tomorrow and take advantage of this great facility.

September 6: Teacher In-Service / Student Half Day

As per the 2016-2017 academic calendar, next Tuesday (September 6) is a half-day for students. All school buses will leave the QISS campus at 1pm. QISS strongly believes in providing ongoing professional development to teaching staff, so that we can continue to provide your child with an education that represents global best practice. These teacher in-service days are designed purely for that purpose. In-service professional development days are a valuable opportunity for the QISS staff to innovate and collaborate, sharing the knowledge, expertise and skills that make QISS the No.1 international school in Qingdao.

We are now through the 3rd week of the 2016-2017 academic year. This week we rolled out several academic programs and extra-curricular activities. The first session of the After-School Activity Program (ASAPs) started on Monday. On Friday, the Upper School staff, led by Athletic Director Mr. Krakowski, rolled out the updated school house program. All students were "drafted" into a school house. Throughout the school year, students will be eligible to win prizes and special activities by demonstrating the QISS ESLRs of Vitality, Intelligence, Sensitivity, Courage and Compassion.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Open House Nights

On Tuesday, August 30th and Wednesday, August 31st, QISS staff will open their classrooms for QISS parents. We encourage all parents to come along, meet your child's teachers, and learn more about the curriculum and academic programs your child will participate in this year.

Parents will all meet in the theatre at 6pm for a welcome presentation, before attending individual presentations in teacher's classrooms.

Director's Family Swimming Program

The QISS swimming pool is open and free for all QISS families and guests for the follow several Saturdays. Please join us on Saturday to enjoy the state-of-the-art QISS swimming pool.

Learning Resource Center (LRC)

The QISS Learning Resournce Center (LRC) commences next Monday, August 29th. Going forward, the LRC will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. To enrol in the LRC program or for any further information, please contact Mr. Rick Tair at rtaira@qiss.org.cn

Chinese and English Lessons

As part of the LRC program, QISS is proud to offer free English and Chinese lessons to QISS parents and staff members. Please see the flyers below for more information.

QISS Volleyball

The QISS Volleyball team will play their first match of the season against ISQ next week. In the words of Coach Muller, the "Boy's team is killing it in practice!". We wish them the best of luck for next week. GO SHARKS!!

The school year is now well and truly in full swing. Students are all thoroughly engaged in inquiry and the atmosphere of learning has captured the school.

Announcements

Director's Family Swimming Program

This week marks the beginning of the annual Director's Family Swimming Program. Please join us on Saturday to enjoy the state-of-the-art QISS swimming pool.

After School Activity Program

After School Activity Program session one begins on Monday, August 22nd. This means that all students from Grade 1 and above will be attending after school activities from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday throughout the ASAP program.

We are pleased and honoured to welcome you and your children back to QISS for the 2016-2017 academic year. The QISS staff have been busy over summer preparing the school for your return. We have wonderful new staff, as well as the experienced returning staff you know and love. We are fully equipped, fully staffed and ready to provide the highest quality education available in Qingdao to your children.

The first week of school is all about helping your child become familiar with their new classes and teachers, getting them back into the routines of studying and ensuring that they come to school and return home safely.

As the first quarter progresses we look forward to providing you with regular updates, news and information via this new and improved QISS school blog.

This is the official blog of Qingdao No.1 International School of Shandong Province. We hope to share important news, information, updates and knowledge about education to the QISS community and the world.